AASAAS NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER August 2003 A Publication for the members of the American Astronomical Society Issue 116 development of the new statement. Both the DPS President’s Column and the SPD have suggested names of scientists to Caty Pilachowski, [email protected] serve on the AGU panel. When the AGU statement is drafted, the Society can then consider whether we Inside The AAS and Public Policy wish to endorse or even co-sign a joint statement on The AAS efforts in public policy on behalf of the climate change. Members in Nashville strongly 3 astronomical community are increasingly Council supported this direction for the Society, and the important to the Society and to its members. As Actions dialogue will continue as the AGU statement is the participation of the astronomical community brought to Council and to members for discussion. in the public policy arena has grown, so has the As that time draws nearer, we will seek further input range of activities and services coordinated or 4 and guidance from members on this important issue. Prize organized by the Society. Nomination Form Much of the Society’s public policy initiatives are Given the importance of the Society’s public policy overseen by the Committee on Astronomy and statements, Council also initiated and approved a 5 Public Policy (CAPP), currently chaired by Sidney continued on page 3 Membership Wolff. CAPP provides guidance to the AAS Dues & Council on public policy questions, as well as Subscription brings to Council issues that require the Society’s Rates attention. CAPP was established nearly 25 years 2003 AAS Elections ago, and members are appointed by the President, with the approval of the AAS Council. Preliminary Slate 6-7 Fiscal Report Within the Executive Office, our Deputy Executive Officer, Kevin Marvel, coordinates all Vice-President Wallace L. W. Sargent 9 of our public policy activities. These include the Guiuseppina Fabbiano Education News action alerts and informational emails sent to Secretary John A. Graham 12-13 members, the organization of public policy Councilors Jill Bechtold sessions at Society meetings, participation in Karen S. Bjorkman Congressional Visits Day (see the article in the Harvey B. Richer Scenes from the June issue of the Newsletter for more on the 2003 Ata Sarajedini Nashville Meeting event), interaction with other scientific societies Alan M. Title in the area of public policy, and assistance to Greg B. Taylor members who are interested in developing 18 USNC-IAU, Cat. I Edward F. Guinan Honored connections to their Congressional Rolf Kudritzki Elsewhere representatives. Nominating Committee Timothy S. Bastian John R. Dickel The AAS Council also plays an important role in Melissa McGrath the Society’s public policy initiatives. At the Lee G. Mundy Annual Members Meeting in Nashville in May, Additional nominations for Officer or Councilor members had a chance to comment on an may be submitted by mail and must be initiative brought to Council by one of its accompanied by a written statement from the members, Ellen Zweibel, with the support of many nominee indicating a willingness to serve and by other members of Council, that the Society make a the signatures of at least 30 voting Full Members public statement on the issue of global climate of the Society. change. The Society, through the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) and the Solar Physics All nominations and supporting materials must be The American Division (SPD), has important and relevant received by Monday, 15 September 2003 in the Astronomical Society expertise to contribute to the debate on climate 2000 Florida Avenue, NW Office of the Secretary. Send nominations to: change, and as scientists, we have a Suite 400 Arlo U. Landolt, Louisiana State University, Washington, DC 20009 responsibility to contribute. At this time the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Baton (202) 328-2010 American Geophysical Union is developing a new Rouge, LA 70803-4001. [email protected] statement on climate change, and the Society has www.aas.org asked the AGU if we can jointly participate in the August 2003 1 Press Conference Tapes, DVDs Available AAS Executive Office Staff Robert W. Milkey, Executive Officer The five press conferences at the Nashville meeting are available in VHS and DVD Kevin B. Marvel, Deputy Executive Officer format from Tennessee State University. For the topics of the briefings, see Diana T. Alexander, Conference Coordinator Dawn-Marie Craig, Publications Assistant www.aas.org/meetings/press. For details on availability, Susana E. Deustua, Director, Educational Activities contact Geoffrey Burks at [email protected]. Note that the Zuzana Kelyman, Registration Coordinator AAS organizes briefings, but does not endorse the Judith M. Johnson, Publications Coordinator Shantice Jones, Member Services Specialist individual reports of discoveries. Debbie L. Kovalsky, Information Systems Manager Natalie Patterson, Financial Assistant Dennis W. Renner, Membership Coordinator Billy Taylor (left) and Geoffrey Burks (both, Tennessee State U.) Crystal M. Tinch, Membership Communications videotaped the press conferences in Nashville. AAS photo by Richard Dreiser, © 2003 American Astronomical Society.

The AAS Newsletter (ISSN 8750-9350) is published in March, June, August, October, and December by the American Astronomical Society, 2000 Florida Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20009-1231; Tel: 202-328- 2010, Fax: 202-234-2560, [email protected]; www.aas.org. “Turn Off Your Cell Phone” Contest!! The AAS is seeking PowerPoint slides to remind members to turn off their cell phones The $110.00 annual membership dues for the American Astronomical Society include $3.00 before oral sessions. PowerPoint slides should be humorous and astronomically that is applied toward a subscription to the themed. Three slides will be chosen and run throughout AAS meetings; and winners AAS Newsletter. Periodical postage paid at will receive a banquet ticket for themselves or a guest at any 2004 AAS Meeting Washington, DC. Banquet. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AAS, 2000 Florida Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Submit slides as an attachment to [email protected] by Friday, October 31, 2003. Winners Washington, DC 20009-1231. will be announced in the December Newsletter.

Items of general interest to be considered for publication in the AAS Newsletter should be sent to [email protected]. Appropriate pictures are welcomed. For further information about deadlines and submitting articles, see www.aas.org/publications/newsletter.html. Member Deaths Noted Items submitted to the AAS Newsletter are not automatically included in the AAS Since the June AAS Newsletter, the Society is saddened to learn of the deaths of the Electronic Announcements or vice versa. Submit electronic announcement items to following members, former members and affiliate members: [email protected]. Gerald Hawkins Ludwig F. Oster Kevin B. Marvel, AAS Publications Manager Robert W. Milkey, Editor Crystal M. Tinch, Associate Editor Jeff Linsky, U. Colorado, Associate Editor, Letters

Manuscript Submissions Using AASTeX Letters to the Editor The AJ and ApJ accept manuscripts Letters to the Editor on current issues of importance to astronomers are welcomed. electronically that are prepared using the AASTeX manuscript package. Following are Letters must be signed and should not exceed 250 words. Send to Jeff Linsky, Associate some important addresses for obtaining Editor, Letters, ([email protected]; 303-492-7838 phone; or 303-492-5235 fax) one information about AASTeX and electronic week prior to the AAS Newsletter deadline. Letters may be edited for clarity/length submission. (authors will be consulted) and will be published at the discretion of the Editors. AASTeX Homepage: www.journals.uchicago.edu/AAS/AASTeX

User Support: [email protected]

Journal Homepages/Manuscript Correction Submission: AJ, ApJ, ApJL In the June 2003 (Issue 115) the Calendar listing “Massive Stars in Interacting Binaries, www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/information.html 16–20 August 2003 — Quebec province, Canada” has the wrong year listed. The correct year is 2004.

In the same issue (page 19), Bill Evans was incorrectly identified as Congressman John Linder.

2 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org Council Actions • Adopted all Committee and Working Group Annual Reports [Committee on Status of Women, Committee on Status of Taken at the 202nd Meeting of the Council of the American Minorities, Shapley Lecturer Program, Working Group on Astronomical Society in Nashville, Tennessee, 25 May 2003 Astronomical Software (WGAS), Working Group on Astronomy Education (WGAE), and Working Group on Professional- • Adopt the Minutes of the AAS Council’s 201st meeting Amateur Collaboration (WGPAC)] which had been received. (Seattle, Washington), as distributed. • Adopted the Annual Reports from the AAS Divisions [DDA, • Approved Executive Committee actions taken between DPS, HAD, HEAD, and SPD]. 5 January 2003 and 25 May 2003. • Authorized the Executive Committee to decide upon either Phoenix, AZ or Long Beach, CA for the January AAS meeting sites in 2009 and 2013. • Decided that the AAS will hold its winter meetings in Seattle in January 2011 and January 2015. Gunn Receives • Delegated to the Executive Committee the task of selecting an Weber Award Auditor for 2003 once the bids have been received from potential The first annual AAS Weber Award audit firms. was presented to Prof. James E. • Approved the 2004 budget as presented. Gunn in May 2002 at Peyton Hall, • Accepted the Annual Report of the Investment Advisory Princeton University. The award Committee. recognized the lifelong work of Gunn • Approved establishment of a bank account for the Division of in Astronomy and in particular his Dynamical Astronomy at the Riggs Bank in Washington, D.C. efforts to advance astronomical • Accepted the results of the AAS’s 2003 election. instrumentation such as the Sloan • Accepted the election of the new members, David S. DeYoung Digital Sky Survey. and Andrea K. Dupree, to the AAS’s 2003 Nominating Committee. • Appointed Catherine A. Pilachowski, Robert P. Kirshner, Joseph “I would like to thank the AAS for A. Burns, Pierre Demarque, L. V. Kuhi, A. U. Landolt, and R. W. considering me worthy of the first receipt of this award for instrumentation, but especially for its establishment. I have been Milkey to the 2003/04 Executive Committee as described in a champion for many years of those in the field who devote their Bylaws, Article VI. 2. time and considerable talents to the development of instruments • Approved use of up to $10,000 income from the Brown Fund which benefit us all, and it is extremely gratifying to see a major over the 2003, 2004 and 2005 budget year to aid the Mt. Stromlo AAS award established to recognize those efforts. I hope in the library, recently devastated by fire. future that the award committee will use this to encourage and • Decided that no prize or award committee member be eligible for further the careers of able and enthusiastic people far younger a prize or award from the prize or award committee on which they than I, who are in a position still to make major contributions,” were serving while on that committee. Gunn said. • Accepted the 2002 Audit Report. • Appointed Jay M. Pasachoff as the AAS’s representative to the The award ceremony was followed by a reception attended by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) the members of the astronomy community at Princeton for the time interval February 2004 to February 2007. University, the Institute of Advance Study, and by James Gunn’s • Approved the draft resolution “Approval Process for AAS family. Public Statements.” • Adopted the Annual Reports under the purview of the Education Officer. President’s Column continued from front page • Adopted the Annual Report from the Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (CAPP). procedure for adopting new policy statements. This procedure • Funded a Congressional Visits Day intern for 2004. was reviewed carefully by CAPP and by Council, and finally • Re-affirmed the postdoc hiring deadline of February 15th. approved by Council in Nashville. Council also asked CAPP to • Approved changes in the Historical Astronomy Division review the Society’s current policy statements to determine (HAD) Bylaws. which are still relevant, and which should be “retired.” Following • Made the Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy recommendations by CAPP, the Council reestablished the current (CSMA) a permanent AAS committee. public policy statements of the Society. The Society’s public • Made the Working Group on Professional-Amateur statements and the procedure for adopting new public Collaboration (WGPAC) a permanent working group to the extent statements can be found on the AAS website at www.aas.org/ permitted under the Bylaws. governance/council/resolutions.html.

August 2003 3 2004 AAS Prize Nomination Form

Please read the full descriptions of the AAS prizes and awards www.aas.org or abbreviated information on page 12 of the 2003 AAS Membership Directory. All nominations are due by 1 October 2003.

I wish to nominate (Name) ______of (Institution) ______for the following prize (check one): Russell Lectureship Warner Prize Pierce Prize Education Prize Van Biesbroeck Prize Heineman Prize Weber Award Tinsley Prize

Please send to the Prize Chair (below) a letter with this form stating upon which major scientific achievements you base your belief that this person is a suitable candidate for the prize. Enclose a curriculum vitae of the nominee, bibliography and abstracts of three papers illustrative of the candidate’s merit, and request that three supporting letters also be sent to the Chair.

Print Your Name Signature ______Phone Number Email Address ______

Return this form to the appropriate prize committee chair:

Russell Lectureship Warner/Pierce Prize Education Prize Tinsley Prize Andrea K. Dupree Leo Blitz Catharine Garmany Angela V. Olinto SAO60 University of California Columbia University University of Chicago Garden St. Radio Astronomy Lab 32540 S. Biosphere Rd. Dept. of Astronomy & MS-51 633 Campbell Hall P.O. Box 689 Astrophysics Cambridge, MA 02138 Berkeley, CA 94720-3411 Oracle, AZ 85623 5640 S. Ellis Ave. Tel: 617-495-7489 Tel: 510-643-3000 Tel: 520-896-6351 Chicago, IL 60637 Fax: 617-495-7049 Fax: 510-642-3411 [email protected] Tel: 773-702-8206 [email protected] [email protected] Fax: 773-702-8212 [email protected] Van Biesbroeck Prize Heineman Prize Weber Award Paula Szkody Roger Chevalier Judith G. Cohen University of Washington University of Virginia Caltech Dept. of Astronomy Dept. of Astronomy Palomar Obs. Box 351580 P.O. Box 3818 105-24 Robinson Seattle, WA 98195 Charlottesville, VA 22903 Pasadena, CA 91125 Tel: 206-543-1988 Tel: 434-924-4889 Tel: 626-395-4005 Fax: 206-685-0403 Fax: 434-924-3104 Fax: 626-568-1517 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

News from the Publications Board

Owens Honored for Work on AAS Journals Kennicutt to Continue as ApJ Editor in Chief Evan Owens, formerly at the University of Chicago Press and Upon recommendation of the AAS Publications Board the AAS currently with JSTOR, was honored with the 2003 PAM Division Council extended, by unanimous action, the appointment of Prof. Award, by the Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics Division of the Robert C. Kennicutt Jr. as Editor in Chief of The Astrophysical Special Libraries Association. This award recognizes Owens’ Journal and The Astrophysical Journal Supplement for an contributions to the introduction of electronic versions of the additional three year term, or through 31 December 2006. The AAS Journals beginning in 1995, “at a time when the e-journal Society is extremely grateful for the care and thoughtfulness that idea was merely a glimmer” for other publishers. He is especially he has shown during his initial term as Editor in Chief. The credited for maintaining communications with the librarians success of any journal is directly attributable to the quality of during the development process. This is the second PAM the editorial staff and under Dr. Kennicutt’s leadership the ApJ Division Award related to the development of the AAS Journals; has remained at the leading edge of astronomical publications. Peter Boyce was so honored in 1999.

4 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org • Douglas Leonard, (University of Massachusetts), “Supernovae AAS Small Research Grants 2003 Explosions” • Michael Liu, (Institute for Astronomy), “A Methane-Break Search • Timothy Barker, (Wheaton College), “Upgraded CCD Cameras for for Young Jovian-Mass Objects” Student/Faculty Research Projects” • Murugesapillai Maheswaran, (University of Wisconsin, Marathon • Travis Barman, (Wichita State University), “Modeling the Surface County), “Page Charges for Magnetic Rotator Winds and Keplerian Flux of Extrasolar Giant Planets” Disks of Hot Stars” • Juan Cabanela, (Haverford College), “The Spatial Distribution of • Anthony Mallama, (Raytheon Technical Services Company), LSBs in the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster” “Replacement Equipment for Galilean Satellite Eclipse Photometry” • Angela Cotera, (Arizona State University), “A NIR Study of the • Janet Mattei, (AAVSO), “Digital Preservation, Evaluation, Analysis IMF in Young Stellar Clusters” and Dissemination of Over 250000 Variable Star Obs.” • Richard Ditteon, (Rose Hulman Institute of Technology), • Travis Metcalfe, (White Dwarf Research Corporation), “An “Purchasing Telescope Time for Asteroid Photometry” Empirical Test of White Dwarf Crystallization Theory” • Nicholas Elias, (Ball Aerospace & Technology Corporation), • Nancy Morrison, (University of Toledo), “High-Performance CCD “Optical Interferometry Theory” Camera for Ritter Observatory” • Annette Ferguson, (MPIfA), “Searching for the Thick Disk/ • James Neff, (College of Charleston), “Advanced Spectroscopic Spheroid in M33” Techniques to Probe Circumstellar Material and Stellar Activity” • Dawn Gelino, (UCSD/CASS), “Measuring the Masses of Black • Randy Phelps, (California State University at Sacramento), “Searching Holes in Low Mass X-Ray Binaries” for Outflows and Their Driving Sources in Young Stellar Clusters” • Alister Graham, (University of Florida), “Fundamental New • B. Piner, (Whittier College), “The Maximum Speeds of Blazar Jets” Insights Into Galaxy Structure” • Elisha Polomski, (University of Minnesota), “IRTF Observations” • Albert Grauer, (University of Arkansas), “Optics for the NFO • Lisa Prato, (UCLA), “Funding for Keck Observatory Observing WebScope” Run” • Mark Hammergren, (Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum), • Mike Reed, (SW Missouri State University), “Observations of “Active Public Participation in the Follow-up and Characterization of Pulsating Subdwarf B Stars” Potentially Hazardous Asteroids” • Ronald Samec, (Bob Jones University), “Filter Wheel/UBVRI • Paul Heckert, (Western Carolina University), “2003 Observations Standard Filter Set for Undergraduate Research Project” and “Travel of Short Period Eclipsing RS CVn Systems” Support for CTIO Observing Run” • Michael Joner, (Brigham Young University), “H-alpha Filters for a • W. Shane, (Monterey Institue for Research in Astronomy), “CCD Robotic Survey Telescope” Camera Purchase” • Atsuko Kleinman, (Apache Point Observatory), “White Dwarf • David Trilling, (University of Pennsylvania), “Observations and Asteroseismology Project using the UV HST Data” Data Analysis with the Deep Ecliptic Survey Team”

2004 Membership Dues & Subscription Rates Membership Categories 2004 Dues Full Member $115 Associate Member 115 Junior Member (for first two years) 40 Emeritus Member, promoted after 1 January 1998 58 Emeritus Member, promoted before 1 January 1998 waived

Division Dues (Tentative) AAS Member Division Affiliate Solar Physics Division $8 $10 Division for Planetary Sciences 15 20 Division for Planetary Sciences Student (for first two years) 10 n/a Division on Dynamical Astronomy 10 15 High Energy Astrophysics Division 6 n/a Historical Astronomy Division 8 10

2004 Membership Subscriptions (Domestic) For foreign shipping options, contact AAS Membership Department ApJ, ApJ Supplement & Astronomical Journal “Electronic Package” $50 Astrophysical Journal (ApJ): Paper only 275 “Electronic Package” and Paper ApJ 300 ApJ Supplement (ApJS): Paper only 55 Astronomical Journal (AJ): Paper only 100 “Electronic Package” and Paper ApJ 130 Bulletin of the AAS (BAAS): Paper only 30

Note: Members desiring paper and electronic access to more than one journal should subscribe to the “Electronic Package” with Paper option for one of the journals and the “Paper Only” option for the other(s).

August 2003 5 2002 AAS Fiscal Report

The firm of McGladrey & Pullen audited the accounts of the (4) Bequests and Memorials: These include the AAS prizes and Society for the year ending 31 December 2002. This audit was other funds established by gifts and bequests to the Society. The conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing timing of the actual awarding of the various prizes causes the standards, and indicated no material problems while confirming fluctuations in expenses between successive fiscal years. The that the AAS was in compliance with the required provisions. balances of the principle funds on 31 December 2002 were: This report was submitted to and accepted by the Council at its meeting on 25 May 2003. The audit did not identify any Russell Lectureship $ 168,878 significant problems or deficiencies in the AAS accounting Warner Prize $ 49,481 procedures. Pierce Prize $ 105,471 Tinsley Prize $ 52,506 The Society reports its finances in six categories (see Table I) Van Biesbroeck Prize $ 54,474 according to the nature of the activities and the source of the Education Prize* $102,644 revenues: * Including Wentzel endowment.

(1) General Programs: This includes the Society’s general (5) Grants and Contracts: Two categories include, respectively, operations and administration. In addition, the General Fund grants from Federal and non-Federal sources, specifically: covers the income and expenses of all Society programs including educational and public policy activities, and meetings. The NASA Electronic Publishing grant, Also under this heading are the general publications handled by The NASA Supported AAS Small Research Grant program, the Executive Office, including the AAS Newsletter, the AAS Job The NSF International Travel Grant program, Register, and the AAS Membership Directory. The NSF supplement to the Bok and Lines Awards for students at the International Science and Engineering Fair, (2) Journals: Each of the journals published by the AAS is and operated as a distinct cost center. AAS bylaws, Article VIII.3, The AAS Funds used to supplement the Small Research Grants. mandate that each Journal maintain a reserve fund equal or above the level of onehalf of the annual operating expenses. At (6) Other: This includes the General Operating Reserve and the close 2002, each of the AAS journals had reserve funds accounts for the Shapley Visiting Lecturer Program, the above this level: Equipment Replacement Fund, and a variety of other special purpose funds. Of special interest is the fund balance for the The Astrophysical Journal & Supplement $ 3,093,397 Shapley Lecture Program of $519,398 The Astronomical Journal $ 1,136,669 The Bulletin of the AAS $ 325,022 Summary At the close of 2002 the reserve fund for long-term maintenance The overall financial picture for the Society remains very good. of the journal electronic archives had reached a balance of Net assets decreased by $114,892, entirely due to an unrealized $208,296. To date, nothing has been withdrawn from this fund. loss of $172,316 in the market value of securities in which the In 2002, the journal operating funds contributed $40,000 to this reserve funds are invested. This is quite a modest loss on a fund fund and the investment earnings added to the accumulation. that approaches $8 million in total, considering the performance of the markets during 2002. (3) Divisions: These comprise the finances of the five AAS Divisions and their related prizes. The Divisions legally fall The budget for General Programs was adversely impacted by under the oversight and fiscal responsibility of the AAS legal and accounting fees related to the resolution of the tax Council, but the each Divisional Committee makes the financial issues originally described in 2001. The AAS Journals finished decisions of its Division, and the fiscal details are reported with a positive bottom line and outperformed the budget by a directly to the members of the Division. The figures in Table I significant margin. reflect the sum of all Division funds held both by the Division Treasurers and on their behalf by the Society Treasurer. Most of Table I gives a comparative summary of activities and change of the fluctuations in their income and expense levels can be net assets of the AAS for 2001 and 2002. attributed to the timing and size of annual meetings and prize Table II contains a summary of the AAS Balance Sheet as of awards. 31 December 2001 and 31 December 2002.

6 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org Table I. Statement of Income and Expense for 2001 and 2002

2001 2002

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total

Revenue General programs $ 1,347,862 - $ 1,347,862 $ 1,453,670 - $ 1,453,670 Journals 6,865,490 - 6,865,490 6,672,507 - 6,672,507 Divisions 255,792 21,569 277,361 191,430 44,463 235,893 Bequests and Memorials 20,000 156,446 176,446 20,000 15,255 35,255 Grants and Contracts 262,971 - 262,971 257,980 - 257,980 Other 107,003 129,041 236,044 (2,247) 16,321 14,074 Released from restrictions 63,919 (63,919) - 47,422 (47,422) -

Total revenue $ 8,923037 243,137 9,166,174 $ 8,640,762 28,617 $ 8,669,379

Expenses General Programs $ 1,299823 - $ 1,299823 $ 1,781,533 $ 1,781,533 Journals 6,592,873 - 6,592,873 6,413,126 6,413,126 Divisions 211,498 - 211,498 259,448 259,448 Bequests and Memorials 38,443 - 38,443 41,008 41,008 Grants and Contracts 291,846 - 291,846 258,430 258,430 Other 40,131 - 40,131 30,726 30,726

Total expenses $ 8,474,614 - 8,474,614 8,784,271 8,784,271

Changes in net assets $ 448,423 $ 243,137 $ 691,560 (143,509) 28,617 (114,892) - Before tax adjustment

Tax Adjustment* $ 302,606 - $ 302,606 - -

Change in Net Assets $ 145,817 $ 243,137 $ 388,954 (143,509) 28,617 (114,892)

Net assets Beginning of year $ 6,281,356 $ 1,339,740 $ 7,621,096 $ 6,427,173 $ 1,582,877 $ 8,010,050

End of year $ 6,427,173 1,582,877 8,010,050 $ 6,283,664 $ 1,611,494 $ 7,895,158

* Accounts for an unrecorded prior year payroll tax liability. See 2001 report for explanation.

Table II. Balance Sheet for 31 December 2001/2002

2001 2002

Total Assets $ 11,074,764 $ 10,533,183 Current Assets 3,059,808 2,869,117 Fixed Assets 94,846 81,439 Other Assets 7,920110 7,582,627

Total Liabilities $ 3,064,714 $ 2,638,025 Current Liabilities 1,233,423 $ 507,163 Deferred Revenue 1,831,291 2,130,862

Net Assets $ 8,010,050 $ 7,895,158 Unrestricted 6,427,173 6,283,664 Temporarily restricted 1,140,446 1,153,412 Permanently restricted 442,431 458,082

Liabilities & Net Assets $ 11,074,764 $10,533,183

August 2003 7 News from NSF Division of Astrophysical Journal Seeks Astronomical Sciences Scientific Editor Eileen D. Friel, Executive Officer, Division of Astronomical Sciences, [email protected] The AAS is soliciting applications for a Scientific Editor of The Astrophysical Journal (ApJ). The ApJ Scientific Editors play a vital role in maintaining the high scientific standards of the 2003 NSF CAREER Awards Journal. Each editor oversees the peer review of 150-200 papers per year, and together with the other editors advises the Editor- The Division of Astronomical Sciences at the National Science in-Chief on issues of general editorial policy. Appointments are Foundation has announced their Faculty Early Career for terms of three years, subject to approval by the AAS Development (CAREER) awards for FY2003. This NSF-wide Publications Board and the AAS Council, with an option for a program recognizes and supports the early career development second term at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The term for activities of those teacher-scholars who are most likely to this appointment would begin in January 2004. become the academic leaders of the 21st century. CAREER awardees are selected on the basis of creative, career For this appointment we are seeking an editor who can oversee development plans that effectively integrate research and the review of manuscripts in theoretical stellar astrophysics and education within the context of the mission of their institution. related fields, including some of the following subjects: stellar As of press time, six awards had been made. atmospheres, structure, and evolution, stellar populations, nuclear astrophysics and chemical evolution, astroseismology Tom Abel - Pennsylvania State University and helioseismology; extrasolar planets, and star and planet “Stars and Galaxies in the First Billion Years of the Universe” formation theory. The editor can also expect to handle Jason Glenn - University of Colorado Boulder observational papers in these areas from time to time. Although “Millimeter-Wave Instrumentation Development for Measuring we are not actively recruiting candidates in other subfields at the Redshifts of Submillimeter Galaxies” this time, expressions of interest from scientists in all fields of astronomy and astrophysics are welcomed. Candidates should Jeremy King - Clemson University have a strong record of published scientific research, and be “Detailed Chemical Abundances in Galactic Star Clusters— prepared to commit the time (up to 20% FTE) that is required to Fundamental Astronomy and Education Inside and Outside carry out the duties of a Scientific Editor. Although these are Closed Boxes” largely volunteer positions, funding is provided for office equipment, secretarial support, travel to editorial meetings, and a Andrey Kravtsov - University of Chicago modest stipend or research grant. Scientific Editors are required “Simulations of galaxy and cluster formation: the new frontiers” to be members of the AAS during their terms of appointment, but residence at a U.S. institution is not required. Nancy Levenson - University of Kentucky “Obscuration of Active Galactic Nuclei and the Starburst Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of Connection” publications, and a brief (1-2 page) cover letter that summarizes the candidate’s qualifications and reasons for seeking an SE Sally Oey - Lowell Observatory position. Applications (either in paper or electronic form) should “Chemical Enrichment: A Component of Massive Star Feedback be sent to: Processes” Robert C. Kennicutt, Jr., Editor-in-Chief The Astrophysical Journal Come Visit NSF Steward Observatory The Division of Astronomical Sciences welcomes visitors to NSF. University of Arizona If you happen to be in the Washington area, we encourage you Tucson, AZ 85721 to consider stopping by NSF to give a talk about your recent Fax: 520-621-5153, Tel: 520-621-5145 [email protected] research results or your educational activities. AST scientific staff welcome the opportunity to learn of progress and plans in Successful candidates will also be asked to provide a brief letter all fields of astronomical research and instrumentation. If a talk of endorsement from their department head or director, would not be in conflict with proposals under consideration, and indicating their agreement to the necessary time commitment you are interested in arranging a visit to talk with us, please upon appointment. Applications received by 1 September 2003 contact Dr. Eileen Friel ([email protected] or 703-292-4895). will receive full consideration. Inquiries about the position are welcome and may be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the addresses given above.

8 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org Education News

High School Students Awarded College Scholarships $5000 scholarship to Ved Chirayath, a 16-year-old sophomore at Intel International Science & Engineering Fair from California Academy of Math and Sciences in Carson, Two 17 year old high school students, Lisa Doreen Glukhovsky California. Chirayath’s winning project was “Photometric and Jonathan Nicholas Sick, were presented with the 2003 Detection of an Extra-Solar Planetary Transit Across the Sun-Like Priscilla and Bart Bok Awards by the AAS and ASP. Their Star HD 209458.” Using data collected with a small telescope and outstanding astronomical research projects were exhibited at the CCD camera, Chirayath detected two full transit events of the 54th annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair star’s super-Jupiter planet. He used this data to determine the (ISEF), held in Cleveland, Ohio. planet’s size and orbital inclination.

Glukhovsky, a student at New Milford High School in New All three students have been invited to publish papers Milford, Connecticut, won the AAS-ASP Bok First Place Award describing their projects in the IAPPP Communications, an and a $5000 scholarship for her project “A Rapid, Accurate international journal specializing in collaborative astronomy Method of Determining the Distance to Near-Earth Asteroids.” research projects involving students, amateurs and professional Glukhovsky determined the distances of over a dozen Near-Earth astronomers. In addition, the high school science departments of Asteroids using simultaneous two-site parallax observations. each student will receive $1000. The scholarships and science Her project involved an international collaboration with several department contributions are provided by a grant from the other student and amateur observatories in the U.S. and Europe. National Science Foundation, administered by the AAS on behalf Measurements made in the course of her project agree with of the three participating professional organizations. those obtained by NASA JPL observers to within one percent. Science Service publishes the weekly Science News, and hosts Sick, a student at Queen Elizabeth High School in Calgary, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Each year Alberta, won the AAS-ASP Bok Second Place Award and a three to five million students complete science research projects. $3000 scholarship for his project “Development of an Adaptively This year over 1,200 students earned the right to compete at the Controlled Telescope.” Sick designed and developed a 32-cm Intel ISEF. The fair brought together students from nearly 50 automated telescope with software that can automatically orient nations to compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, the telescope, identify star fields around the sky, and track scientific field trips and the grand prize: a trip to attend the Nobel observer-selected objects. Prize Ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden. Science Service founded the ISEF in 1950. The AAS, ASP and IAPPP have co-sponsored The AAS-ASP judging team consisted of Drs. Terry Oswalt of special awards in astronomy at the annual ISEF since 1991. the Florida Institute of Technology, Dr. Jeanne Bishop, Director The NSF provided additional substantial support for the Bok and of Westlake Schools Planetarium, and Dr. Earle Luck of Case Lines astronomy award programs in 2000. Western Reserve University.

Oswalt, Bishop and Luck also served as judges for the Richard D. Lines Special Award in Astronomy, presented annually at the ISEF by the International Amateur-Professional Photoelectric Photometry (IAPPP). Oswalt presented the Lines Award and a

Lisa Doreen Glukhovsky, Terry Oswalt and Ved Chirayath and Terry Oswalt Exhibit Hall Jonathan Nicholas Sick

August 2003 9 Division News colleagues for this compliment which will provide a highlight to my career.”

His lecture will be preceded by the presentation to him of The LeRoy Doggett Prize for Historical Astronomy. Historical Astronomy Barbara Welther, Chair, Doggett Prize Committee Michael Hoskin to Speak in a Plenary Session For the AAS meeting in Atlanta next January, the Vice Presidents have invited Michael Hoskin to deliver his Solar Physics Division Doggett Prize Lecture to the Society in John Leibacher, Chair, [email protected] one of the morning plenary sessions at 11:40 a.m.

Hoskin is no stranger to the AAS. In 1986 he was honored as the Harlow Shapley Memorial Lecturer. Then last May the HAD Committee The Solar Physics unanimously chose him as the recipient of its LeRoy Doggett Division “Springs” Prize for Historical Astronomy. For his lecture next January, he to Life at JHU/APL will speak about “The REAL Caroline Herschel.” in Laurel, MD!!

As a leading expert on William Herschel, Hoskin has written broadly on the Herschel family and its achievements. Last spring he published his latest contribution: The Herschel Partnership: As Viewed by Caroline. This work, which contains a wide variety of previously untapped archival material, will be the definitive source for Caroline Herschel’s biography for many The 2003 Meeting of the Solar years to come. In a separate volume Hoskin has also edited the Physics Division was hosted by two autobiographies that Caroline wrote at different times of her the Johns Hopkins University’s life. Applied Physics Laboratory, and His other recent books demonstrate his broad perspectives in the the leader of the SOC, Dave Rust, field. They include The Cambridge Illustrated History of didn’t miss the chance to push Astronomy (1997), The Cambridge Concise History of his new paradigm for filament Astronomy (1999), and Tombs, Temples and Orientations: A new eruptions. perspective on Mediterranean Prehistory (2001). The last volume, which summarizes many seasons of fieldwork around the Mediterranean basin, is a significant and original contribution to archaeoastronomy. Bob Howard (NSO) is the 2003 recipient of the Hale Prize, and Hoskin has long been renowned for both his scholarship and the got to give the prize lecture at high standards he has maintained in editing and publishing. In the AAS Meeting in Nashville as 1970 he founded the Journal for the History of Astronomy and well as the SPD Meeting, and has since served as its editor. The Journal, which is now in its had to suffer through John 34th year, has helped to define the field of historical astronomy Leibacher’s introduction twice and give it a central focus. It was primarily for his lifetime work as well. on JHA that he was honored in 2001, when Minor Planet (12223) Hoskin was named after him. Dana Longcope (Montana Since 1969 Hoskin has been a Fellow at Churchill College, State, on the right) receives the Cambridge. When he learned that he was to be the fourth first Karen L. Harvey Prize “To recipient of the Doggett Prize, he wrote: “The Prize is indeed a recognize and encourage new very great honour, and although it is the result of the initiative of talent in solar physics, and to the historians of a particular country, it is as yet the only prize in recognize the contributions of our field and this award to a non-American raises it to Karen Harvey to the study of international status. I am very grateful to you and your the Sun” from Jack Harvey (NSO).

10 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org Solar Physics Division continued

Cherilynn Morrow (Space Science Institute, LOC dynamo Barbara Boulder) gave an invited lecture on “The Joy of Northrop (JHU/APL) rubs her Solar Physicists in Science Education” complete hands in glee at one of the with an a capella vocal that stole the show. packed poster sessions. (Credit Dave Dooling, NSO).

Four extremely popular Parker review lectures to introduce various major areas of research to the whole solar physics community were given by Nancy Brickhouse (CfA), Paul Charbonneau (Montreal), Randy Jokipii (Arizona), and Sarbani Basu The already action packed Membership Meeting – formerly the (Yale, pictured). “Business Meeting” – was further enlivened by the SPD’s honoring of retiring ex-SoHO Project Scientist Art Poland (George Mason) with a respectful collection of “What me worry?” tee- shirt sporting colleagues.

Former SPD Chair Judy Karpen (NRL) corrals incoming SPD Chair Ed DeLuca (CfA) to check out her poster.

What poster session would be complete without an assortment of cool jazz?

A rowdy crowd of solar physicists relaxes off stage at a Bal’mer Orioles game Gordon Emslie (Alabama/Huntsville) celebrated the 25th year of the SPD Studentships with a bumper crop of new talent.

August 2003 11 Scenes from the Nashville Meeting The 202nd AAS meeting, in Nashville, will be remembered for two unique events. The welcoming remarks were delivered by a Governor who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Harvard, worked summers at Arecibo Observatory, and owns his own 16-inch telescope. (How many states can match that?) And a young undergraduate student announced his discovery of the longest stellar eclipse ever found. Observers with the RHESSI satellite reported the first detection of polarization in the history of gamma-ray astronomy, and there were very well received topical symposia on Dark Energy and on the circumstellar disks in which planets form. The Van Biesbroeck, Warner, and Hale Prizes were presented, and nearly 700 attendees enjoyed the warm hospitality of “Music City USA,” facilitated by local chairs David Weintraub (Vanderbilt U.) and Richard Gelderman (Western Kentucky University). The meeting ran May 25-29, 2003 in the Nashville Convention Center.

Donat Wentzel (U. Maryland) smiled upon receiving the George Van Biesbroeck Award at the banquet.

Robert Howard (left, National Solar Obs.) Kentucky Governor Phil Bredesen (left) chatted received the Hale Prize certificate from Solar with AAS Vice President Joseph Burns (center) Physics Division Chair John Leibacher. and Robert O’Dell (Vanderbilt U.) before delivering a brief speech of welcome.

Steven Boggs (U. California, Berkeley), here using his hands to depict orthogonal planes Later, the Governor headed for the Exhibit Hall of polarization, reported the first detection of to check out a few good poster papers and Undergraduate student Roger polarization in celestial gamma rays. chatted with astronomers including AAS Cohen (Wesleyan U.) discovered the President Catherine Pilachowski (right). longest known stellar eclipse in a young star in IC 348. Paule Sonnentrucker Local Chairs (Johns Hopkins President David Weintraub U.) presented a Pilachowski (left, Vanderbilt new spectral atlas presented the U.) and Richard of the diffuse Warner Prize Gelderman interstellar bands. to Mattias (Western Kentucky Zaldarriaga, U.) orchestrated (Harvard U.). both meeting events and Nashville-area musicians who entertained at receptions, coffee breaks, and the banquet. Joni Johnson (New Mexico State U.) Dale Frail (NRAO) used the VLBA and other found a new way to radio telescopes to gather evidence estimate the distances seemingly fatal to the “cannonball model” to dwarf novae. of gamma ray bursts.

12 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org Leon Johnson (left) and Shermane Austin (both, Medger Evers College) Speakers at a press conference on circumstellar disks in reported on developing a young stellar objects were: l.-to-r., Joel Kastner (Rochester course in computational Inst. of Tech.); Jeffrey Bary (Vanderbilt U.) Elizabeth Lada Among those reporting progress in robotic telescopes Earth and space science. and Richard Elston (both, U. Florida) and William were: l.-to-r., Stuart Marshall (Lawrence Livermore Herbst.(Wesleyan U.). Natl. Lab.), Richard Gelderman (Western Kentucky U.) and Eric Craine (Western Research Co.).

Panelists at a session on “Communicating Science Tamas Budavari to the Public” were: l.-to-r., former host of NBC’s (Johns Hopkins U.) Today show, Jim Hartz; Dyer Observatory Director, Joel Eaton (Tennessee State U.) developed found differences in Rick Chappell; AAS Press Officer, Steve Maran; New Megan Urry (Yale U.) gave the 2-m Automatic Spectroscopic Telescope. the clustering of blue York Times science writer, John Wilford; Dallas an invited talk on the grand and red galaxies in Morning News science editor Tom Siegfried and unification model for active the Sloan Digital Sky BadAstronomy.com’s Philip Plait (Sonoma State U). galaxies. Survey.

Sangwook Park (Penn. James Ulvestad (left, NRAO) and State U.) described Susan Neff (center, GSFC) discovered Chandra observations of a a new supernova in a dust-shrouded supernova remnant in the regions of Arp 299 where such events Gabriela Canalizo (left, Lawrence Livermore Licia Verde (Princeton U.) Small Magellanic Cloud. are frequent. Daniel Weedman (right, Natl.. Lab.) detected signs of a dwarf galaxy spoke about combining Vanderbilt U.), commented on their merging with Cygnus A. Svetlana Jorstad microwave background “supernova factory.” (Boston U.) observed quasar jets with Chandra. observations with galaxy surveys.

Silvia Torres-Peimbert (Instituto A close-up of three observers who reported Catherine Venturini de Astronomia, UNAM, Mexico) new results on distant supernovae: left-to- Brian Keeney (U. Colorado) (Aerospace Corp.) told of pointed to a possible evolutionary right, Robert Kirshner (Harvard U.), Robert found that a dwarf galaxy is dramatic changes in the sequence in symbiotic stars and Knop (Vanderbilt U.), and Saul Perlmutter spewing gas out across the sight IR spectrum of V838 Mon. proto-planetary nebulae. (Lawrence Berkeley Lab.). line to 3C273.

AAS Photos by Richard Dreiser © 2003 American Astronomical Society August 2003 13 Calendar Listed are meetings or other events that have come to our International Workshop on Planetary Probe Atmospheric Entry attention (new or revised listings noted with an asterisk). Due to and Descent Trajectory Analysis and Science space limitations, and we publish notice of meetings 1) occurring 6–9 October 2003 — Lisbon, Portugal in North, South and Central America; 2) meetings of the IAU; and Contact: David Atkinson ([email protected]) 3) meetings as requested by AAS Members. Meeting publication may only be assured by emailing [email protected]. Meetings that Stellar Populations fall within 30 days of publication are not listed. 6–10 October 2003 — Garching, Germany http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/~stelpops/ A comprehensive list of world-wide astronomy meetings is maintained by Liz Bryson, Librarian C-F-H Telescope in *Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems (ADASS) collaboration with the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, Victoria, 12–15 October 2003 — Strasbourg, France BC. The list may be accessed and meeting information entered at Contact: Marc Wenger ([email protected]) http://cadcwww.hia.nrc.ca/meetings. http://www.adass.org/adass2003/

AAS and AAS Division Meetings 14th Annual October Astrophysics Conference: The Search for Other Worlds Division for Planetary Sciences 13–14 October 2003 — College Park, MD 1–6 September 2003 — Monterrey, CA Contact: Susan Lehr ([email protected]) Contact: Ted Roush ([email protected].nasa.gov) http://www.astro.umd.edu/october/

5th Microquasar Workshop – Microquasars and Related 203 Meeting of the AAS Astrophysics 4–8 January 2004 — Atlanta, GA 13-19 October 2003 — Beijing, China Contact: AAS Executive Office ([email protected]) Contact: [email protected] Other Events http://jet.uah.edu/microquasar

Imagery and Data Fusion Chicago Workshop on Adaptive Mesh Refinement Methods 15-17 October 2003 — Washington, DC 3–5 September 2003 — Chicago, IL Contact: John C. Evans ([email protected]) Contact: Carrie Eder ([email protected]) http://www.aipr-workshop.org/ http://flash.uchicago.edu/amr2003/ 2003 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference on Statistical Problems in Particle Conference Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology 19–24 October 2003 — Portland, OR 8–11 September 2003 — Menlo Park, CA Contact: Ralph B. James, Brookhaven National Laboratory Contact: Arla Lecount ([email protected]) ([email protected]) http://www-conf.slac.stanford.edu/phystat2003/ http://www.nss-mic.org

12th UN/ESA Workshop on Basic Space Science Second CHANDRA Calibration Workshop 8–12 September 2003 — Beijing, P.R. China 27–28 October 2003 — Cambridge, MA Contact: Hans J. Haubold Contact: Hank Donnelly ([email protected]) ([email protected]) http://cxc.harvard.edu/ccw/ http://www.seas.columbia.edu/~ah297/un-esa The Formation and Evolution of Massive Young Star Clusters Gamma-ray Bursts: 30 Years of Discovery 17–21 November 2003 — Cancun, Mexico 8–12 September 2003 — Santa Fe, NM Contact: Henny J.G.L.M. Lamers ([email protected]) Contact: Ed Fenimore ([email protected]) Linda J. Smith ([email protected]) http://grb2003.lanl.gov www.star.ucl.ac.uk/clusters

*Four Years of Chandra Observations: A tribute to Riccardo IAU Coll. 194: Compact Binaries in the Galaxy and Beyond Giacconi 17–22 November 2003 — La Paz, Mexico 16–18 September 2003 — Huntsville, AL Contact: Gagik Tovmassian Contact: Martin C. Weisskopf ([email protected]) [email protected] http://www.astrosen.unam.mx/~iau194 http://mi.msfc.nasa.gov/chandra/index.html

14 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org *Payload and Mission Definition in Space Sciences AAVSO News 17–28 November 2003 — Tenerife, Canary Islands Janet A. Mattei, Director, [email protected] Contact: Ms. Nieves Villoslada or Ms. Lourdes González ([email protected]) Do you have an observing run on a variable star and you want to http://www.iac.es/winschool2003/info.html know how bright it is? Are you interested in searching for the optical afterglow of a Gamma-Ray Burst but you don’t have a *Hawaii International Conference on Sciences finder chart for it? Do you have multiwavelength data on a 15–18 January 2004 — Honolulu, HI variable star and you want to correlate them with its optical Contact: Andrew Burge ([email protected]) phase? Do you have a student who wants to analyze decades of http://www.hicsciences.org data on an interesting variable star?

*5th Intergral Workshop, The Integral Universe If your answer is yes to any of the questions above, the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) may be of help to 16–20 February 2004 — Munich, Germany you. The AAVSO is a non-profit, scientific and educational Contact: Dr. Giselher Lichti ([email protected]) organization specializing in variable stars. It has the world’s http://astro.estec.esa.nl/Integral/ largest, digital optical variable star database—the AAVSO International Database—with over 10.5 million observations going *Astronomical Polarimetry: Current Status and Future Directions back to 1911 made mostly by amateur astronomers. It has a 15–19 March 2004 — Waikoloa, HI dynamic website with a wealth of information for researchers and Contact: Andy Adam ([email protected]) educators. Here are a few examples of online resources on the AAVSO website (www.aavso.org): *Cosmos in the Classroom 2004: A Symposium on Teaching Introductory Astronomy for Non-Science Majors • Pick a star — On the AAVSO home page (www.aavso.org) enter 16–18 July 2004 — Medford, MA your favorite variable star’s name and with a click of a button find Contact: Andrew Fraknoi ([email protected]) out what AAVSO finder charts exist to download, plot its light www.astrosociety.org curve, and see the recent data submitted to the AAVSO on it. • Download validated and certified data at (www.aavso.org/data/ *Modest 5–Modeling Dense Stellar Systems download/) on hundreds of stars going back to 1960. We are 11–14 August 2004 — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada validating the complete database, thanks to a grant from NASA Contact: Alison Sills ([email protected]) Office of Space Sciences. As data are validated they are put on http://www.manybody.org/modest-5.html line. Within a year and a half all of the 10.5 million observations will have gone through strict quality control procedures and will be placed on line. *Massive Stars in Interacting Binaries • Light curve generator - (www.aavso.org/data/lcg/) - a useful tool 16–20 August 2004 — Quebec province, Canada that can plot instant light curves of any object in the AAVSO Contact: A. Moffat/N. St-Louis observing program. ([email protected]/[email protected]) • Quick Look file - (www.aavso.org/data/ql/)- shows the most recent two months’ observations submitted to the AAVSO on any AAVSO star. The data files are updated every ten minutes. • Extensive chart section - (www.aavso.org/observing/charts/) - download any of the thousands of finder charts in the observing NOAO’s New Look program. The National Optical Astronomy • AAVSO software pages - (www.aavso.org/data/software/) hold a Observatory has a new logo, which rich library of downloadable software for analysis of variable star they encourage you to use on future data. publications and meeting posters. • The AAVSO High-Energy Network -(www.aavso.org/observing/ The logo features an open telescope programs/he/)- currently has programs for GRB afterglow detection dome and a representation of an and multiwavelength CCD observations of magnetic cataclysmic absorption line spectrum, which are variables (polars), we are collaborating with the Global Telescope intended to communicate to the Network (GTN) at Sonoma College to observe blazars. average person that observational astronomy and science are • The webpages for AAVSO’s education curriculum - Hands-On the “business” of NOAO. See here for various file sizes: Astrophysics: Variable Stars in Math, Science, and Computer http://www.noao.edu/outreach/new_logo/. Education - (hoa.aavso.org) have extensive information and activities on variable stars as education tools. NOAO would also like to call your attention to the 30 September deadline for observing proposals for Semester 2004A and the The AAVSO has over 92 years of experience in variable star 3 October full proposal deadline for the Adaptive Optics observing, data archiving, and analysis. Contact us at Development Program. See: http://www.noao.edu/obs_info.html [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.aavso.org/ for and http://www.noao.edu/system/aodp/. more information. Let us know what we can do for you!

August 2003 15 Announcements NASA is being assisted by JPL in the administrative and logistical work needed to support these ground-based observing Call for NRAO Observing Proposals proposals. Interested Guest Investigators will find information regarding proposal Astronomers are invited to submit proposals for observing time on the NRAO Green submission and technical support at the Bank Telescope (GBT), Very Large Array (VLA), and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA): DSN Science website: Instrument Deadline Observing Period Note http://dsnscience.jpl.nasa.gov. GBT 2003 Oct 1 2004 Feb - 2004 May 2004 Feb 2 2004 Jun - 2004 Sep Investigators may also contact VLA 2003 Oct 1 2004 Feb - 2004 May + Dr. Michael Klein, Manager of the DSN 2004 Feb 2 2004 Jun - 2004 Sep * Science Office at JPL by phone VLBA 2003 Oct 1 2004 Feb - 2004 May (818) 354-7132 or by e-mail to 2004 Feb 2 2004 Jun - 2004 Sep [email protected] for additional information. Notes: (+) C configuration with a maximum baseline of 3 km; (*) D configuration with a Observing time at the DSN is provided as maximum baseline of 1 km. a support service to the astronomical and Users of NRAO instruments from most U.S. institutions may request travel support for radiometric sciences community by the observing and data reduction trips, as well as page charge support. In addition, the National Aeronautics and Space NRAO has inaugurated a new program to support GBT research by students at U.S. Administration on a time-available basis. universities. The program covers student stipends, computer hardware purchases, and Proposers should realize that the DSN is student travel to meetings to present GBT results. Applications to this program are tied NOT a national observatory and are to GBT observing proposals. therefore encouraged to find an observing partner at JPL with experience using DSN The NRAO and the European VLBI Network jointly handle proposals for observing facilities and instruments. time on the Global VLBI Network. The deadline is 1 October 2003 for the session in February 2004. CSO Call for Proposals Due Further information on NRAO instruments, proposal submission routes, and user 31 October 2003 support is available from the NRAO home page at www.nrao.edu. The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) encourages observing participation by astronomers from both U.S. and non- NASA-DSN Call for Science Observing Proposals U.S. institutions. For instructions on The NASA Office of Space Science Solar System Exploration Division announces a applying and for information about Call for Science Proposals from Guest Observers who wish to use the various radio- available instruments, including new telescope antennas of NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) for radio astronomy bolometer cameras, see http:// (radiometry, spectroscopy, and VLBI), solar system radar astronomy, and spacecraft- www.submm.caltech.edu/cso/cso-call.html. based radio science. Applications for observing time between The Deep Space Network (DSN), operated by NASA for spacecraft 1 February 2004 through 31 July 2004 are telecommunications and navigation, is also used as an instrument for scientific due by mail 31 October 2003. Applications research on a time-available basis. The sensitive receiving systems and high power will be reviewed by an outside peer group. transmitters on the large aperture DSN antennas are effective instruments for scientific investigations in radio astronomy and solar system radar. The high sensitivity and global distribution of the DSN complexes make the three 70-m antennas particularly valuable components for international experiments using Very Long Baseline 2004 Watson Medal Nominations Interferometery (VLBI). The 70-m antenna near Canberra, Australia is the most Due 12 Septmeber 2003 sensitive radio telescope in the18-26 GHz range in the southern hemisphere. The R&D The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) environment is also well suited for investigators to conduct long-term projects using is currently accepting nominations for the equipment they provide. Investigators are welcome to submit observing proposals for 2004 James Craig Watson Medal in any of the three research disciplines. Radio astronomy proposals will be reviewed as Astronomy. The Watson Medal is part of the NRAO proposal review process. Solar system radar astronomy proposals awarded every three years for the involving transmission from Goldstone and reception at the Arecibo telescope will be promotion of Astronomical Science. The judged for scientific merit through the observing proposal review process at Arecibo. bequest suggests “...To be given... from Other GSSR observing proposals will be coordinated through the DSN Science Office. time to time to the person in any country who shall make astronomical discovery or produce any astronomical work worthy of

16 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org special reward as contributing to our science.” The award Core Technologies for Space Systems Conference includes a $25K prize plus $25K to support the recipient’s Call for Papers research, and a gold-plated medal. The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the AAS (the other AAS, the American Astronautical Society), the AIAA, and the Pikes Peak Information about the award as well as a nomination form and a Chapter of the IEEE announces a call for papers for the 2003 list of previous recipients can be found on the NAS website at Core Technologies for Space Systems Conference, to be held 4- http://www.nas.edu/nas/awards; follow to Nominations for 6 November 2003 at the Sheraton Colorado Springs Hotel in Awards in 2004; from there click on either the ‘James Craig Colorado Springs, CO. With accents on space science, systems, Watson Medal’ for information or on ‘Nominations’ for the and applications, CoreTech is designed to provide a stimulating nomination form. and thought-provoking forum for sharing the latest technical All nominations should be sent directly to the National developments and ideas across the spectrum of core space Academy of Sciences as specified on the form. Each nomination technologies. CoreTech is intended for astronomers, aerospace requires a nomination form (available on the web) plus CV, scientists, engineers, and technical managers from academia, bibliography list (up to 12 publications), and a brief summary of industry, government, and military programs. achievements. Additional letters of recommendations can number from 0 to 6. See www.spacecoretech.org for more information.

The nomination deadline is 12 September 2003.

Neta A. Bahcall (Princeton University) is Chair of the 2004 The de Vaucouleurs Atlas of Galaxies: A Request Watson Medal Committee. for Images The de Vaucouleurs Atlas of Galaxies is an ambitious project to fully document the de Vaucouleurs revised Hubble galaxy NSO Observing Proposals classification system with modern digital images. The de The current deadline for submitting observing proposals to the Vaucouleurs classification system (first published in Handbuch National Solar Observatory is 15 August 2003 for the fourth der Physik, Volume 53, page 275, 1959) is widely used in quarter of 2003. Forms and information are available from the professional astronomy but has never been documented in the NSO Telescope Allocation Committee at P.O. Box 62, Sunspot, form of a modern image atlas. We have contracted with NM 88349 for Sacramento Peak facilities ([email protected]) or Cambridge University Press to prepare and publish such an P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, AZ 85726 for Kitt Peak facilities atlas. We are soliciting high quality images from the ([email protected]). A TeX or PostScript template and instruction astronomical community for publication in the atlas. We ask sheet can be emailed at your request; obtained by anonymous observers who might be able to contribute their best ftp from ftp.nso.edu (cd observing_templates) or ftp.noao.edu groundbased blue-light (and other filter) CCD images of nearby (cd nso/nsoforms); or downloaded from the WWW at galaxies of all types to please refer to the following webpage for http://www.nso.edu/general/observe/. A Windows-based details on what we are looking for: http://bama.ua.edu/~rbuta/ observing-request form is also available at the WWW site. gvatlas/pgoals.html Users’ Manuals are available at http://www.nso.edu/nsosp/dst/ for the SP facilities and http://nsokp.nso.edu/ for the KP facilities. Note that no photometric calibration is required for any image. Proposers to SP may inquire whether the Adaptive Optics We are especially in critical need of high quality images of system may be available for their use. Observing time at elliptical, S0, and irregular galaxies at this time. National Observatories is provided as support to the astronomical community by the National Science Foundation. Theodore Dunham, Jr. Grants for Research in NASA Infrared Telescope Facility Observing Astronomy Applications Due 6 October 2003 Proposals Since 1986, the F.A.R. has made annual Theodore Dunham, Jr. Grants for Research in Astronomy. The grants are named for Due date for the 1 February – 31 July 2004 semester is Theodore Dunham, Jr., Scientific Director of the F.A.R. from its 1 October 2003. See http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/userSupport/ founding in 1936 until his death in 1984. Grants are awarded for indexota.html. Available instruments include: (1) For 1-5 microns: the acquisition of astronomical equipment, computer time, a camera with 3 pixel scales and a circular variable filter, a cross- computer hardware or software that will be used in research. dispersed medium-resolution spectrograph, and a high- Preference will generally be given to proposals for facilities that resolution spectrograph. (2) For 5-25 microns: a camera, a low- are likely to be used by a number of astronomers. We will make resolution wide spectral range spectrograph, and high- our next grants in December 2003, following receipt of resolution spectrographs for 8-25 microns. completed applications, which are due 6 October 2003.

See http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/fundastro/grants.html for more information.

August 2003 17 Honored Elsewhere Backer Selected for the 2003 Jansky Lectureship Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) are pleased to announce that Shipman Receives Teaching Scholars Award Donald C. Backer, professor of astronomy, and a research AAS Member Henry L. Shipman has been named one of the astronomer at the Radio Astronomy Laboratory, University of 2003 Distinguished Teaching Scholars and will receive $300,000 California at Berkeley, will present the thirty-eighth annual Karl to spend over four years. The award, given by the National G. Jansky Lectureship. Backer is being honored for his seminal Science Foundation (NSF), recognizes the achievements in contributions to the discovery of millisecond pulsars. linking scientific research with education and supports plans to continue that work. The Jansky Lectureship is awarded each year by the Trustees of AUI to recognize outstanding contributions to the Shipmam, professor of physics and astronomy at the University advancement of astronomy. The lectureship is named after Karl of Delaware, will help develop a set of learning modules in G. Jansky, the AT&T Bell Labs engineer who in 1932 first astronomy that can be used in general science courses for discovered natural radio waves emanating from space. nonscientists or in introductory astronomy courses. Backer’s interests include a variety of compact and energetic objects in the Milky Way and beyond. Among these are pulsars, Zeilik Receives International Teaching Award the nucleus of the Milky Way, and the nuclei of other galaxies Michael Zeilik, professor of physics and astronomy at the and quasars. His research employs large radio telescopes, and University of New Mexico (UNM), has been selected as the 2003 emphasizes the technique of high-resolution radio interferometry. recipient of the Excellence in Introductory College Physics Teaching Award by the American Association of Physics His work on millisecond pulsars is focused on the consequences Teachers (AAPT). The award recognizes significant of the discovery in 1982 of a pulsar spinning at 642 Hz, which is contributions to undergraduate physics teaching by an AAPT near the centrifugal limit for neutron stars. Backer and his member for whom teaching is a primary responsibility. colleagues continue to monitor this pulsar, and to search for other millisecond-period pulsars. The timing measurements of At UNM, Zeilik specializes in introductory courses for the these pulsars have an accuracy that rivals the best atomic time novice, non-science major student and is a pioneer in astronomy standards on Earth. These measurements also help astronomers education research at the university level. He has garnered to place stringent limits on the magnitude of the background of support for these undertakings from the National Science gravitational radiation left over from the Big Bang. Foundation (NSF) and NASA. Backer also oversaw the development of the Berkeley-Caltech Zeilik has been a Woodrow Wilson fellow, NSF fellow, a Pulsar Machine, which has been used on the National Science Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Predoctoral fellow and a Foundation’s Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope to detect visiting professor at the Santa Fe Institute. At UNM, he has-been new pulsars in globular cluster M62, as well as the youngest named a regents’ lecturer, the highest award for all-around radio pulsar ever detected in supernova remnant 3C58. performance by a faculty member; and last year, Zeilik received the Astronomy Education Prize from the AAS. Backer will deliver the Jansky Lecture at the various NRAO sites later this year. Information when confirmed will be available on the NRAO website (www.nrao.edu/jansky). Parker Receives Kyoto Prize Eugene Parker (AAS member and 1969 Russell Lecturer) will receive the 2003 Kyoto Prize for Lifetime Achievements in Basic AAS Members Among Academy of Arts and Science from the Inamori Foundation. Considered among the Sciences Fellows and Honorary Members world’s leading awards for lifetime achievement, the $400,000 The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced the Kyoto Prizes recognize significant contributions to the scientific, election of 187 new fellows and 29 foreign honorary members for cultural and spiritual development of mankind. 2003. Parker, 76, the S. Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor Congratulations to the following AAS Members: in Physics and Astronomy & Astrophysics, will be cited for establishing a new perspective on astrophysics by elucidating J. Richard Bond, University of Toronto (foreign honorary the solar wind and other cosmic phenomena. In 1958, he made a member). theoretical prediction of a supersonic flow of plasmas (charged Alan Paul Boss, Carnegie Institution of Washington. particles) emitted from the solar corona, which he called the Donald Q. Lamb Jr., University of Chicago. “solar wind.” Having shown that the space between the sun and Alexander Sandor Szalay, Johns Hopkins University. the Earth is filled with this supersonic flow-and not a vacuum, as had been believed-Parker’s theory triggered drastic changes in the perception of space.

18 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org ASP News To be on the mailing list for future announcements about the symposium, or to make suggestions for the program, please e- Michael Bennett, Executive Director, [email protected] mail the Chair of the Program Organizing Committee, Andrew Fraknoi, at: [email protected]. (Be sure to include the name Many Thanks and a Welcome at PASP of the institution at which you teach.). For the past 10 years J. B. “Bev” Oke has served as the Associate Editor for Instrumentation for the ASP’s professional William Waller of Tufts University chairs the Local Organizing journal, Publications of the ASP (PASP). For personal reasons Committee and is happy to hear from volunteers in the New Bev has asked to step down. It has been a great pleasure England area who want to help ([email protected]). working with him, and the current PASP editors extend their deepest thanks for his outstanding service and for all the advice Updates on the meeting are available at: and wisdom he has shared with us. http://www.astrosociety.org/events/cosmos.html.

In consultation with Bev, we sought a new PASP Associate ASP’s 115th Annual Meeting Editor for Instrumentation. We are delighted to announce that The 115th annual meeting of the ASP will take place over the the ASP Board of Directors has endorsed the appointment of two weekend of October 11th and 12th in Berkeley, California. extremely well-qualified astronomers to share the responsibility of this position. They are Daniel Fabricant of the Harvard- On Saturday participants will be able to take a special optional Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Harland Epps of UCO/ tour (including bus transportation) of the renowned Stanford Lick Observatory, UC-Santa Cruz. Both of these new editors have Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The annual ASP members been involved in numerous instrumentation projects and have business meeting will be held Saturday afternoon. Saturday also been regular contributors to the PASP. We welcome Dan and evening will feature a reception and banquet honoring the ASP’s Harland, who began their work on 1 May 2003. - Anne Cowley annual award winners including 2003 Bruce Medalist Vera Rubin. and David Hartwick, PASP Co-Editors Guest speaker David Levy, well-known comet hunter and author, will talk about his work with the Shoemakers and Comet Symposium on Teaching Introductory Astronomy Shoemaker-Levy 9. 16-18 July 2004 at Tufts University The ASP is pleased to announce a 3-day hands-on symposium Sunday will be all about “Cosmic Explosions.” The all-day on teaching beginning astronomy classes at the college level. lecture series, aimed at the interested general public, will be held The meeting will be held at Tufts University in the summer of on the UC-Berkeley campus and will feature leading astronomers 2004, and is sponsored by the ASP and NASA’s New England discussing the many kinds of cataclysmic events that shape our Space Science Initiative in Education (with co-sponsorship from universe. Speakers include Sandra Faber, Matthew Malkan, Alex the AAS.) Filippenko, Shrinivas Kulkarni, Sumner Starrfield, Robert Lin, and Kevin Zahnle. Many thanks to ASP Past President for organizing Designed for everyone who teaches or will be teaching such this “stellar” lineup of experts. courses, the program will include components for veteran instructors seeking to improve or re-invigorate their teaching as For complete information and registration details, go to the ASP well as new instructors approaching their first classes. Much of web site at www:astrosociety.org and click on “events.” the program will involve hands-on workshops and panels with veteran instructors.

Washington News continued from back page

AAS Members Attend AIAA Luncheon On 15 May, nine AAS members attended a special luncheon sponsored by the National Capitol Section of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (www.aiaa.org). Dr. David Radzanowski, the new branch chief for science and space programs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) presented information on the President’s FY 2004 budget and possible implications for the FY 2005 budget. The AAS occasionally arranges to have members attend events of this type to build the visibility of our profession, create interaction L-R: Ken Johnson (USNO), Bob Milkey (AAS), Riccardo opportunities for astronomers working in the policy arena and Giacconi (AUI), Andrew Clegg (NSF), Craig Foltz (NSF), Rob Olling (USNO), Joe Lazio (NRL), Kevin Marvel (AAS), highlight our growing interaction with the public policy process. Bill Smith (AURA). Photo courtesy of Steve Pierson (APS).

August 2003 19 American Astronomical Society Periodical 2000 Florida Avenue, NW, Suite 400 Postage Washington, DC 20009-1231 Paid Washington DC Newsletter 116 August 2003

2004 Membership Directory Changes in member or institutional information for the 2004 Membership Directory must be received in the Executive Office by 5 September 2003!! Use the change of address from on the website at www.aas.org or email the change to [email protected].

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Washington News Kevin B. Marvel, Deputy Executive Officer, [email protected] CNSF Hill Exhibition AAS again participated in the Coalition for National Science Budget Outlook Funding Hill exhibition, which took place on June 13. This year, Summer is normally a time for rest and the AAS sponsored booth featured the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. relaxation across the country, but summer in SDSS is an excellent example of a successful scientific project Washington is an exception. Many of the funded from a variety of sources. appropriations subcommittees are seriously The event drew approximately 250 working on the appropriations bills and Congressional staff ,12 members of there is some indication that Congress will finish the bulk of its Congress and numerous NSF staff, appropriations work before the end of the current fiscal year. including the Director, Dr. Rita This would stand in stark contrast with last year, when it took Colwell. nearly six months of the new fiscal year for the appropriations bills to finally be signed into law. The AAS is an active member of the CNSF, which has more than 90 I anticipate at least one AAS Action Alert during the summer, institutional members, including focused on increasing the NSF budget for the coming fiscal Universities, scientific societies year. Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO) and Senator and corporations, such as the Congressman Vernon Ehlers Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) have made it their personal goal to (R-MI) asks John Peoples Associated Universities for about the SDSS and its broader double the NSF budget in five or six years. However, they have Research in Astronomy or AURA, impacts. forcefully challenged the science community to rally behind which just recently joined the them and support this doubling effort. AAS members are coalition. The coalition web page encouraged to write to their Senators and Representative asking is www.cnsfweb.org and is an excellent resource for individuals that they contact the VA-HUD-IA Appropriations Subcommittee working on behalf of the NSF in the policy arena. The coalition Chairs and Ranking Members and strongly support this does no lobbying, but instead serves as an information sharing doubling effort. Only by communicating our needs to Congress resource. will our needs be met. continued on page 19 20 American Astronomical Society www.aas.org